Alan Hutton To Not Join Spurs And Many Other Players Too

Tottenham have announced that they will no longer pursue their interest in Rangers full-back Alan Hutton. It is more likely that Alan Hutton is not interested at all and has ended all negotiation. And who would be interested when the supposedly interested club's manager comes out and says "Who are you?"

Worse was to follow when Ramos target Ajax defender Urby Emanuelson decided to resist Spurs' overtures as well and stay with Ajax. This was after advice from ex-Spurs midfielder Edgar Davids:

"[Spurs] are a great club, but you should not join them. You are an Ajax player, you are young and talented, so you only need to go to a top club in England, Spain or Italy."

How true.

So now Spurs will stick to 'essential' signings like getting players from Cardiff. From where? Yes, I heard you.

Transfer Window - Derby County Transfer Targets

Derby County has some meaty transfer targets this transfer window it seems. First up they have already signed Argentinian striker Emanuel Villa from a Mexican soccer club (who really cares?). Now this isn't David Villa but manager Paul Jewell is simply salivating over the prospect of Villa playing for Derby County. He is adamant that Villa will be a fan favourite but that usually means a hard worker running lots and sweating blood. It does not guarantee goals and that is what Derby County needs.

Speaking of goals, the management guys at Derby County are also looking at a swoop for the ex-Newcastle favourite Laurent Robert. Now Robert was a stellar supply of goals in the form of swinging crosses from the flanks but that was years ago when Newcastle still looked like an entertaining club. Now, Laurent Robert has not played for a club for a couple of months since being let go by Levante. Let's see here, Levante is somewhere in Spain? Where? I am not sure. Who really cares? And they LET GO of Robert. Maybe it was his wage demands. Maybe he's just not good enough anymore. Still, if Jewell needs an experienced head at the club, he could find himself a great signing and player in Laurent Robert who if you remember, did have his fair share of player power and trouble at Newcastle.

Speaking of an old experienced head for calming influence at Derby County, you might soon be able to add that of Robbie Savage to the list. Old experienced head - sure. Make no mistake about it - I regard Robbie Savage as a decent player - every team needs a player like him - hard tackler, committed to the cause and tireless worker. Played for Wales and a few clubs at the top level. Definitely ticks the experience box. Calming influence? Well, if you need a few kicks up the arse of other English Premier League teams, yes that should fit the bill. Robbie Savage will calm the Derby County players down and make sure they kick a few legs and arses to stay up in the English Premier League!

Now the most important department Derby County needs to improve is not seeing any additions so far. And that is in defence. They seemed to have tightened up in recent games, but would have done so much better if not for late or sloppy goals. I think Paul Jewell needs to spend more time looking for serious defenders. If so, I might make the bold prediction that Derby County can avoid relegation. At the moment, I think Jewell can look forward to pitting his tactical nous with Bryan Robson next season.

Transfer Window - Assessing Chelsea Future Development

With the football transfer window opening this month, it will surely see a flurry of activities by many clubs as they scurry to improve their squads for title honours or simply to achieve better results and avoid relegation. You can bet your bank that Chelsea will figure prominently this January but unfortunately you have already missed your chance, as they have made their first signing with the Serbian defender and Manchester United target Branislav Ivanovic.

I will assess this and other Chelsea transfer targets and what they can provide and mean for the future of the club.

First and foremost, the new signing Ivanovic. Seeing that Manchester United would have gotten him if not for the asking price of $8.9 million, he must be some kinda player. However, the fact that Alex Ferguson has no qualms about letting him go to the Blues also means that he might be good, but seriously not that good enough for the Red Devils to break the bank for him. It could also mean they have sufficient cover. However, if Ivanovic is half as good as Vidic, then he would provide great cover for both John Terry and Carvelho, seeing how either men are usually out through injury or suspension. In the long term, if it plays out, it would mean quality backup in the central defensive area, something a certain Special One did not enjoy as he neared the end of his reign.

Nicolas Anelka is also rumoured to be on Chelsea's radar, despite claims by Bolton manager Gary Megson that he has not heard from Chelsea about their interest. These things always signal that something has already transpired within the shadows and Bolton has probably made a gentleman's agreement with the Russian mafiabillionaire from Chelsea (which also means that no other club would pay that kind of money). This acquisition would be the biggest signal to the future vision of Chelsea. IF they also signed Dimitar Berbatov, it would be even clearer that Avram Grant is trying desperately to mold a fantasy football team.

Berbatov and Anelka upfront, Drogba to leave because he hates (the) Chelsea (management) and we would see a more dynamic Blues attack. If they keep their wingers (or buy more penetrative ones than Shaun Wright Phillips), you might see a different Chelsea that would strike with verve and velocity.

However, with Lampard staying on and no other central midfielder that can provide that playmaking vision, it means that there might be too much dependence on Berbatov (assuming he arrives). Yes, there is Joe Cole, but put him in central midfield and he will be swarmed. Grant has also shown a preference for a traditional 4-4-2 so a diamond where Cole plays behind the 2 front strikers might be an option still despite that.

In short, it is obvious what Grant is trying to achieve and it is also the reason why he might survive longer under Roman - he gives the boss what he wants. Their other targets confirm this - Daniel Alves and David Villa - every player they are trying to sign is either a forward or attack-minded individual.